The original Syphon Filter was the first game to get an A in 1999. That game was fun, but the
sequel doesn't have the same quality of level design to make the experience as interesting.
The weakly directed full motion video scenes have very limited animation, something that is
even more noticeable than in the original.
The original was rated T by the ESRB, but the sequel is rated M due to the apparently important
blood which sprays from gunshot victims. The new realism is not overdone but seems
unnecessary when the rest of the product does not live up to that level of realism in graphic style.
Controls are a bit spidery, and inventory control is awkward as well. You must hold Select and
press L2 or R2 to scroll through and choose a weapon.
The game features a ridiculous amount of enemies and gunfire. Enemies take too many hits to
kill, even up close. Metal Gear Solid steered away from stale shoot-out action by emphasizing
stealth game play; that philosophy would have been appropriate here as well.
Syphon Filter 2 focuses more on the constant search for more ammo than on memorable game
play, though there is a clear effort in terms of story.
The story will take you to such espionage-friendly locales as the Colorado mountains and
interstate, McKenzie Airbase, Moscow Club 32, New York City sewer and slums, an agency bio-
lab, and a freight train.
On the plus side, the game includes lots of checkpoints to prevent unfair, excessive backtracking.
Also, a two-player mode offers 20 split-screen levels.
Publisher: Sony